Current molecular aspects in the development and treatment of diabetes

J Physiol Biochem. 2020 Feb;76(1):13-35. doi: 10.1007/s13105-019-00717-0. Epub 2020 Jan 10.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) leads to microvascular, macrovascular, and neurological complications. Less is understood about the mechanisms of this disease that give rise to weak bones. The many molecular mechanisms proposed to explain the damage caused by chronic hyperglycemia are organ and tissue dependent. Since all the different treatments for DM involve therapeutic activity combined with side effects and each patient represents a unique condition, there is no generalized therapy. The alterations stemming from hyperglycemia affect metabolism, osmotic pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In part, hemodynamic modifications are linked to the osmotic potential of the excess of carbohydrates implicated in the disease. The change in osmotic balance increases as the disease progresses because hyperglycemia becomes chronic. The aim of the current contribution is to provide an updated overview of the molecular mechanisms that participate in the development and treatment of diabetes.

Keywords: Complications of diabetes; Diabetes; Diabetes treatment; Insulin resistance; T1DM; T2DM.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Density / drug effects
  • Cell Line
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1* / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1* / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / metabolism
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / drug therapy
  • Hypoglycemic Agents* / adverse effects
  • Hypoglycemic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Osmotic Pressure / drug effects
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents